In a massive firefighting effort that stretched into the frigid evening on January 20, 2025, multiple fire departments responded to a severe chimney fire at a residence in Walnut. The incident escalated quickly, prompting Walnut Fire Chief Robert Miller to issue a second to fifth MABAS Box 102 alarm as the situation worsened. The fire caused the chimney to collapse in the house, causing the first floor to collapse, while fire personnel were inside battling the fire. Fire personnel inside the structure made a MAYDAY call when the floor collapsed, but all firefighters were accounted for and uninjured.
The Chief requested a warming trailer from Bureau County EMA due to extreme cold conditions. All fire departments were on the scene for about five hours. The homeowners safely escaped the fire, but the house was a total loss. The State Fire Marshal has determined the fire was accidental, originating in the chimney before spreading to the attic. Chief Miller extends deep gratitude to all assisting agencies and expresses sympathy for the affected family. The American Red Cross and other organizations are currently assisting the displaced family.